Page 59 of Raven's Dawn

“Everything considered, though,” Jeremy said, looking Warren over, “do you think you can handle it?”

“It didn’t affect me as much as it affected the rest of you, I think,” Warren said. “Vampire tolerance and all. I feel something, and my vision is a bit altered, but if anything, I’m calmer than I was earlier.”

“I’m most definitely not.” Laila rubbed the bridge of her nose. “Adrenaline’s in full swing. But I got this.”

“I don’t think so, Lai.” Jeremy stroked a hand up and down her arm. “Things didn’t go well the last time you tripped.”

“No, but I’m in a much better headspace now. And you’re here.”

“And he’s tripping too,” I said. “If you’re going to panic, you probably shouldn’t come in.”

“I didn’t drink the wine,” Jeremy said. “I’m fine. And that’s why, when we’re in there, everybody listens to me, alright?”

I did like the idea of a sober person being present for this.

“I agree with Laila,” Iliantha said. “It’s important for you to gain Caeda’s trust.”

“Seems more about challenging us to gain respect than trust, but yeah,” Laila muttered. “Really wasn’t what I imagined when you said she was eccentric, though.”

“I was trying to be polite,” Iliantha said.

“Next time, be a bitch,” I snapped. I knew it wasn’t my place to tell Iliantha what to do. She was a queen, and I was a no one. But, sorry, the stakes were high here. “This is the kind of thing we probably should have been warned about.”

“I didn’t suspect she would do this.” Iliantha folded her arms against her chest, exhaling deeply. She stared off into the distance, then cursed under her breath. “I should have, given her history, but that was my error. I won’t make it again.”

“Yeah, please don’t,” Naomi muttered. “I did acid a couple times in the seventies. Didn’t like it then, don’t like it now.”

“I’m inclined to agree,” Ramona said.

Grinning, Connor raised his shoulder. “I’m not gonna lie, guys. I love this fucking tea. I’ll be fine out there.”

“I suspect most of us will,” Ezra said. “You know, the Vikings would take hallucinogens before battle. They were successful most of the time.”

“This isn’t a battle, is it?” Ramona asked.

“That’s exactly what I suspect it will be,” Iliantha said. “It isn’t only a maze. It’s a test. We’ll have to fight our way through it.”

Well, that was different than the image I had in my mind. As teenagers, Graham, Jake, and I had gone through a corn maze while tripping on acid. It took us about six hours to get out, while it took most about an hour.

I should’ve guessed this wouldn’t be that simple. In my defense, I was a little stoned.

“Great,” I muttered.

“Let’s get a headcount then,” Jeremy said. “Who’s in, and who’s out?”

Ramona laughed. “Probably best that you don’t have me in there with you.”

“Honestly, unless you need me?” Naomi raised her hands at her side and shook her head. “I’d rather not.”

“I’m good,” Ezra repeated with a big smile. “A bit excited, in fact.”

“You’re an odd one, mate,” Graham said to Ezra. “But, aye. I’m alright.”

“So am I,” Warren said. “As long as we all stick together, I’m ready.”

“Plus me, Laila, and Connor make six,” Jeremy said, turning to Luci. “Are you good?”

Luci grunted, then nodded. “I’m not thrilled about it, but yes. I’m in.”